Pharmacological evidence of distinct alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating the contraction of human prostatic urethra and peripheral artery.

1. The alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating contractions of the smooth muscle in human prostatic urethra and branches of internal iliac artery were characterized in isometric contraction experiments. 2. Phenylephrine produced concentration-dependent contractions in both the urethra and artery. These responses were competitively inhibited by prazosin, WB4101 and 5-methyl-urapidil, and the slopes of Schild plots for all these antagonists were close to unity. 3. The pA2 values for prazosin were not significantly different between the urethra (9.42 +/- 0.11; mean +/- s.d.) and artery (9.50 +/- 0.27), while the pA2 values for WB4101 and 5-methyl-urapidil in the human prostatic urethra (8.94 +/- 0.19 and 8.42 +/- 0.14, respectively) were significantly greater than in the branches of human internal iliac artery (7.94 +/- 0.21 and 7.43 +/- 0.22, respectively; P < 0.01). 4. Pretreatment with chlorethylclonidine (CEC) at concentrations ranging from 0.1 microM to 100 microM attenuated the maximum contraction to phenylephrine in a concentration-dependent manner in both the urethra and artery. However, the urethra was significantly less affected by CEC than the artery. The pD'2 values (negative logarithm of the molar concentration of antagonist which reduced the maximum contraction to one half) in the urethra and artery were 4.35 +/- 0.27 and 5.20 +/- 0.37, respectively (P < 0.01). 5. The present results indicate that there are distinct populations of alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes in the human prostatic urethra and branches of the internal iliac artery. The alpha 1-adrenoceptors responsible for the contraction of the human internal iliac artery branches are predominantly alpha 1 B-subtype, whereas those in the human prostatic urethra are considered to be not alpha 1 B, but alpha 1 c or possibly alpha 1 A or alpha 1A/D-subtype.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome: comparison with primary aldosteronism.

BACKGROUND: Removal of adrenal adenoma of Cushing's syndrome is believed to be more troublesome than primary aldosteronism because of large amount of retroperitoneal adipose tissue and bleeding from the fat. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome and comparison of the results of laparoscopic adrenalectomy between primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome. METHODS: From January 17, 1992, to July 31, 1993, laparoscopic adrenalectomies for functioning adrenal lesions were performed in 14 patients (five men, nine women), three of whom had Cushing's syndrome and 11 of whom had primary aldosteronism. RESULTS: Operative times (mean +/- SD) for primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome were 269.0 +/- 100.9 minutes and 253.7 +/- 57.9 minutes, respectively. No difference was noted in operative time, operative bleeding, and postoperative recovery between them. However, the weight of removed tissue from patients with Cushing's syndrome (20.00 +/- 8.17 gm) was greater than that from those with primary aldosteronism (6.64 +/- 2.01 gm). No operative complications occurred in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Ultrasonic aspiration and argon-beam coagulation were useful for laparoscopic adrenalectomy in patients with Cushing's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Cushing's syndrome may be a good indication for laparoscopic operation.

Does gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid enhanced MRI of kidney represent tissue concentration of contrast media in the kidney? In vivo and in vitro study.

Although Gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) has been used as a contrast material in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is known that contrast enhancement effect is not uniform if the concentration of Gd-DTPA increases beyond some levels. In this study, to evaluate the proper pulse sequences for dynamic MRI in the human kidney, the concentration of Gd-DTPA was quantitatively measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry in human biological samples after administration of Gd-DTPA. The signal intensity of MRI in the solutions of several concentrations of Gd-DTPA was measured. The results were that in using a low magnetic field apparatus, signal intensity linearly correlated with the concentration of Gd-DTPA between 0 and 2.0 mumol/g under saturation recovery sequences (flip angle = 60 degrees or 90 degrees). Using a high magnetic field apparatus, signal intensity linearly correlated with the concentration of Gd-DTPA between 0 and 2.0 or 3.0 mumol/g under spin-echo or gradient-echo sequences. Gd-DTPA concentration of the renal cortex ranged from 0.132 to 0.152 mumol/g tissue at 5 min after IV injection of Gd-DTPA 0.05 mmol/kg body weight in six patients with adrenal tumor or renal cell cancer, and one patient with both urinary bladder cancer and prostatic cancer. Six of the patients showed normal renal function and the other had renal insufficiency (GFR = 25 ml/min/1.48 m2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differential diagnosis of adrenal tumour and upper pole renal tumour by I-131 cholesterol adrenocortical scintigraphy.

A 27-year-old housewife with right hypochondralgia was admitted for treatment of a huge right adrenal or upper pole renal tumour. The tumour measured 10 x 8 x 8 cm and was hypovascular. The main blood supply derived from the right adrenal artery which originated from the abdominal aorta just proximal to the right renal artery. Although several diagnostic imaging studies suggested that the tumour arose from the right adrenal gland, the bilateral adrenal glands were equally visualized on I-131 cholesterol adrenocortical scintigraphy. After surgery and pathological examination, the tumour proved to be a renal cell cancer, while the right adrenal gland was intact. This case demonstrates that adrenocortical scintigraphy is useful in the differentiation of adrenal and renal tumours when a large tumour occupies the upper pole of the kidney or adrenal gland.

[Treatment of urinary tract anomalies detected by prenatal ultrasonography].

Twelve pediatric patients with antenatal diagnosed urinary tract anomalies from 1988 to 1992 in Niigata University Hospital were clinically examined. 1: All patients were diagnosed by ultrasonography. Eleven cases did not have any abnormal pregnancy and other had oligohydramnious. 2: Postnatal surgical treatments were performed in 11 cases, but antenatal therapy was not performed in any case. 3: Temporary percutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) were carried out on 7 kidneys in 6 cases during infantile period seems to be effective in preserving function of congenital obstructed kidneys.

[Experimental reconstruction of the urinary bladder using atelocollagen sponge].

An experimental reconstruction of the urinary bladder using specially designed bovine cross linked atelocollagen sponge was performed after partial cystectomy in 12 male rabbits. Bladder reconstruction with hybrid type biomaterials using both atelocollage sponge and cultured autologous cells were performed in 5 rabbits (the 1st group). The autologous cells were collected from the mucosa and muscular layer of the urinary bladder and were seeded on the atelocollagen sponge before reconstruction. Reconstruction using atelocollagen sponge without autologous cells were performed in the other 7 rabbits (the 2nd group). In 9 of these 12 rabbits, atelocollagen sponge was successfully implanted in the native urinary bladder. Histopathological findings revealed that seeded autologous cells and growth of surrounding host cells could be seen similarly in the atelocollagen sponge but these could not be differentiated by these could not be differentiated by routine histopathological techniques. In conclusion, these results showed a possibility of construction of artificial urinary tract using both atelocollagen sponge and autologous cells.

[Treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma by combination of CVD regimen and transarterial embolization].

We performed combination therapy with cyclophosphamide, Vincristine and Dacarbazine (CVD) regimen and transarterial embolization (TAE) in 2 cases of malignant pheochromocytoma with metastases. Case 1: 59-year-old female. After primary left adrenal lesion had been removed, recurrence at the left renal hilar region and metastases to the right iliac bone and 5th cervical vertebra occurred. We took 3 courses of CVD regimen after TAE for the lesions in the right iliac bone. Her endocrinological data has been normal for more than 1 year after treatment. Case 2: 29-year-old male. Total cystectomy, ileal conduit and pelvic lymphadenectomy had been performed for the primary lesion of the urinary bladder. 2 years after the 1st operation, metastases to the right obturator nodes and multiple bones occurred. We gave 3 courses of CVD regimen followed by TAE for the lesions in the right obturator nodes. Just after treatment, we could stop insulin and reduce anti-hypertension drugs, but the effect of treatment was temporary. In conclusion, combination of CVD regimen and TAE is effective for malignant pheochromocytoma with metastases.

[Localizing methods of primary hyperparathyroidism and those results].

The results of several pre-operative localizing methods and pathological findings were compared in 11 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. 1. The accuracy rate was highest with selective blood sampling from the thyroid vein and MRI, which was 75% with both methods. The 3rd was dual photon scintigraphy, the accuracy rate being 62.5%. The 4th was ultrasonography, 57.1%, and the rate was lowest with CT, 25%. 2. MRI-a new localizing method-has a weak point that it cannot differentiate lymph nodes from parathyroid adenoma/hyperplasia. 3. Not to overlook small lesion of primary hyperplasia, several localizing methods should be performed before initial neck exploration.

[Application of intraurethral catheter for geriatric male patients complaining of urethral obstruction due to malignancy--comparison with benign prostatic hypertrophy].

Intraurethral catheters (IUC) were used for elderly male patients with prostatic urethral obstruction (PUO) due to malignancy (MA) and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Thirty-three men complaining of urinary retention in spite of medical therapy at the risk for prostatic surgery underwent insertion of IUC (16Fr Puroflex, Angiomed Co., Ltd., Germany). Six of 33 were patients with PUO due to MA (5 prostatic cancer, and 1 urethral invasion of rectal cancer, mean 82.7 years old), and the other 27 were patients with BPH (average 80.1 years old). Follow-up period of the former ranged from 2 to 9 (mean 6.5) months, and that of the latter ranged from 6 to 23 months. Water filling cystometry (CMG) before the insertion of IUC and fluoroscopic voiding cystourethrography (VCU) just after insertion of IUC were performed. We defined normal CMG and normal VCU as normal bladder, overactive CMG and normal VCU as overactive bladder, and normal or poor sensitive CMG and underactive VCU as underactive bladder. Five of 27 BPH patients had previous prostatic operations (TUR-P, and/or balloon dilation), but 6 MA did not. All of MA (3 normal bladder, 2 overactive bladder, and 1 underactive bladder) voided satisfactorily, and average duration of IUC in place was 6.5 months without exchange of IUC. Although sixteen of 27 (59.3%) BPH patients voided satisfactorily, and average duration of IUC in place was 12.1 months without exchange of IUC, in the other 11 of these 27 BPH patients were removed IUC, and average duration of IUC in place was 4.7 weeks.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Endoscopic operation of congenital anterior urethral valve. Application of flexible renoureteroscope for antegrade urethroscopy].

4 children with anterior urethral valve were treated by TUR-Valve. Before TUR, valve anatomy could be easily seen by antegrade urethroscopy through cystostomy using a 10.8Fr caliber flexible renoureteroscope and destruction of the valve could be recognized after TUR. Antegrade urethroscopy with a flexible fiberscope was so helpful to TUR-Valve and the findings of voiding cystourethrography and micturition have remarkably improved. This technique is not so difficult to apply and thought to be one of the best methods to recognize valve anatomy and degree of resection. This technique is also applicable to other lower urinary tract lesions in children.

Experience with 17 cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomy: use of ultrasonic aspirator and argon beam coagulator.

Between January 17, 1992 and July 31, 1993, 11 patients with primary aldosteronism, 3 with Cushing's syndrome and 3 with a nonfunctioning adrenal tumor underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy at our university hospital. In every patient adrenal tumor was removed successfully with adjacent normal adrenal tissue. The initial 10 operations were performed without use of an ultrasonic aspirator or argon beam coagulator, and the subsequent 7 procedures were done with those items. There was no difference between the groups in intraoperative blood loss or operative time. However, the tumors in the former group were significantly smaller than those of the latter group (mean 6.70 gm. versus 13.43 gm., respectively, p < 0.05, t test). For right tumors the argon beam coagulator was useful to resect or coagulate the liver, since adrenal tumors were sometimes tightly attached to the liver and upward retraction sometimes caused liver laceration. In obese patients or those with Cushing's syndrome the ultrasonic aspirator was useful to remove retroperitoneal fat surrounding the adrenal tumor without injury to the small vessels. The mean hospital stay for these 17 patients (11.63 days) was significantly shorter than that of 16 patients with corresponding adrenal tumors undergoing open removal during the last 5 years (17.32 days, p < 0.05 t test). In conclusion, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is feasible for the surgical treatment of primary aldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome and nonfunctioning adrenal tumors. The ultrasonic aspirator and argon beam coagulator may be useful for laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Successful fibrinolytic therapy using tissue plasminogen activator in acute renal failure due to acute thrombosis of bilateral renal arteries.

A 46-year-old housewife with regurgitation of mitral valve developed acute renal failure due to acute thrombosis of bilateral renal arteries after cardiac catheterization. A regional fibrinolytic therapy using transarterial infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) was performed at 8 h after the onset, and was successful. She could be taken off hemodialysis 2 weeks after the fibrinolytic therapy, and could be successfully operated on with mitral valve replacement 7 months after that. Three years after mitral valve replacement, her serum creatinine was 148 mumol/l. This is the longest follow-up case after regional transarterial fibrinolysis of acute thrombosis of renal artery using t-PA, and this therapy is a safe and good one for acute thrombosis of renal artery.

Concentration of gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid in human kidney--study on proper time for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the human kidney on low and high magnetic fields.

Although Gadolinium diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) has been used as a contrast material in magnetic resonance imaging, it is known that contrast enhancement effect disappears if the concentration of Gd-DPTA increases beyond some levels. In this study, to evaluate the proper pulse sequences for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the human kidney, the concentration of Gd-DTPA was quantitatively measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry in human biological samples after administration of Gd-DTPA, and the signal intensity of MRI is the solutions of several concentrations of Gd-DTPA was measured. The results were; 1. In using a low magnetic field apparatus, signal intensity linearly correlated with the concentration of Gd-DTPA between 0 and 2.0 mumol/g under saturation recovery sequences (flip angle was 60 degrees or 90 degrees). Using a high magnetic field apparatus, signal intensity linearly correlated with the concentration of Gd-DTPA between 0 and 2.0 or 3.0 mumol/g under spin echo or gradient-echo sequences. 2. Gd-DTPA concentration of the renal cortex ranged from 0.132 to 0.152 mumol/g tissue at 5 min after intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA 0.05 mmol/kg body weight in 7 patients with adrenal tumor or renal cell cancer, and 1 patient with both urinary bladder cancer and prostatic cancer. Seven of them showed normal renal function and the other had renal insufficiency (GFR 25 ml/min/1.48 m2). Gd-DTPA concentrations of renal medulla and renal cell cancer tissue were 0.123 and 0.108 mumol/g tissue, respectively, at 5 min after intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA 0.05 mmol/kg body weight. These results suggest that the signal intensity of renal cortex, renal medulla, and renal cell cancer tissue may linearly correlate with Gd-DTPA concentration of tissues at 5 min after intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA 0.5 mmol/kg body weight.

Changes in urinary excretion of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity in patients with testicular cancer receiving high-dose cisplatin therapy.

To assess the value of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in estimating renal injury in patients receiving high doses of cisplatin, urinary excretion of ET-1-like immunoreactivity (U-ET-1), beta 2-microglobulin (U-beta 2-MG), and N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) were measured before, 1 week after, and 2 weeks after the administration of cisplatin in eight patients with testicular cancer (mean age, 33.3 years). Levels of U-ET-1/creatinine (Cr) during and 1 week after cisplatin treatment were significantly higher than before cisplatin treatment. There were no differences in U-ET-1/Cr levels during, 1 week after, and 2 weeks after cisplatin treatment. The level of U-beta 2-MG/Cr during cisplatin treatment was significantly higher than levels before, 1 week after, and 2 weeks after treatment. However, there were no differences in U-beta 2-MG/Cr levels before, 1 week after, and 2 weeks after cisplatin treatment. The level of U-NAG/Cr during cisplatin treatment was higher than levels before, 1 week after, and 2 weeks after treatment; U-NAG/Cr during cisplatin treatment was higher than levels before, 1 week after, and 2 weeks after treatment; U-NAG/Cr gradually decreased after cisplatin treatment. Among the three parameters, only U-ET-1/Cr maintained a higher level after cisplatin treatment. The U-beta 2-MG/Cr level returned most rapidly to normal after cisplatin treatment. Although U-ET-1/Cr did not show any significant correlation with U-NAG/Cr (r = 0.282, P = NS), it showed a significant correlation with U-beta 2-MG/Cr (r = 0.454, P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Urinary endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity in young male patients with testicular cancer treated by cis-platinum: comparison with other urinary parameters.

1. Urinary excretion of endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity and urinary excretion of other parameters (beta 2-microglobulin, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase and microalbumin) were measured before, within 1 week after and 2 weeks after the administration of cis-platinum in five young male patients with testicular cancer (mean age 33.0 years) and were compared. 2. Urinary endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity/creatinine during, 1 week after, and 2 weeks after cis-platinum treatment was significantly higher than before cis-platinum. There was no difference in urinary endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity/creatinine during, 1 week after and 2 weeks after cis-platinum. 3. Among the four parameters, urinary endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity/creatinine showed the highest level after cis-platinum treatment. Urinary beta 2-microglobulin/creatinine most rapidly returned to normal levels after cis-platinum. 4. Although urinary endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity/creatinine did not show any significant correlations with urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (r = 0.291, not significant) or urinary microalbumin/creatinine (r = 0.076, not significant), it showed a significant correlation with urinary beta 2-microglobulin/creatinine (r = 0.475, P < 0.05). 5. These results suggest that endothelin-1 may be a sensitive urinary parameter in detecting cis-platinum-induced renal tubular injury.

Value of dimercaptosuccinic acid single photon emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in detecting renal injury in pediatric patients with vesicoureteral reflux. Comparison with dimercaptosuccinic acid planar scintigraphy and intravenous pyelography.

The value of 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) planar renal scintigraphy, DMSA single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of renal injury related to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was examined in 60 kidneys of 32 pediatric patients (28 bilateral, 4 unilateral) with primary VUR. The results were: (1) detection of minor renal lesions was best with MRI, then DMSA-planar and DMSA-SPECT, and (2) in comparing the positive rate, DMSA-SPECT (85%) and MRI (83.3%) were superior to intravenous pyelography (55%) and DMSA-planar scintigraphy (65%). These results suggest that DMSA-SPECT or MRI may be more sensitive than DMSA-planar scintigraphy and intravenous pyelography in detecting renal injury related to VUR in pediatric patients.

Ileal ureteral substitution for the treatment of bilateral ureteral obstruction in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Ureteral replacement by ileum is a well-described and proven technique in highly selective patient population. We report a case of bilateral ureteral obstruction with systemic lupus erythematosus to be successfully managed by total ureteral substitution.

Value of urinary endothelin-1 in patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux.

By using a radioimmunoassay specific for endothelin-1 (ET-1), we measured urinary excretion of ET-1-like immunoreactivity (LI) in 63 spot urine samples of 48 patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). And also, urinary excretion of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), beta 2-microglobulin (beta-2-MG), microalbumin (Alb) and creatinine (Cr) were measured. There was no significant correlation in any of the pairs ET-1 and NAG, ET-1 and beta 2-MG, and ET-1 and Alb. Comparing the grade of reflux according to the International Classification with urinary ET-1, urinary ET-1/Cr levels in patients with grade 2, 3 and 4 VUR were higher than normal, and the ratio of more than normal urinary ET-1/Cr increased in proportion to the grade of reflux, but it conversely decreased in grade 5. In conclusion, urinary ET-1 may be an indicator of renal tubular injury in patients with primary VUR, and its meaning may be different from conventional urinary parameters.

Correlation of upper and lower urinary tract function in patients with neurogenic bladder: evaluation using simultaneous measurement of cystometry and diuresis renography with full and empty bladder.

Diuresis renography and water filling cystometry were simultaneously performed with the bladder full and with the bladder empty. The findings of diuresis renography with a full bladder were compared with those of diuresis renography with an empty bladder, in 9 patients (4 male and 5 female, mean 24.4 years old) with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. According to O'Reilly's classification, the findings of diuresis renography with a full bladder were significantly worse than those of diuresis renography with an empty bladder, regardless of cystometry patterns and bladder compliance. These results suggest that in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction, a full bladder in itself can cause deterioration of the upper urinary tracts, regardless of bladder pressure and bladder compliance.